Many a time, in these pages and elsewhere, I have warned
against reflex Bush-bashing and kneejerk anti-Americanism. The
United States is by no means the only culprit. Changing the
Middle East for the better is one of the most difficult
challenges in world politics. The people of the region bear
much responsibility for their own plight. So do we Europeans,
for past sins of commission and current sins of omission. But
Bush must take the lion's share of the blame. There are few
examples in recent history of such a comprehensive
failure. Congratulations, Mr President; you have made one hell
of a disaster.